ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part explores how the past is interpreted in museums through archaeological remains. It examines the ensuing debates that developed surrounding the nature of curatorial authority and of public education in archaeology museums, focusing on texts accompanying exhibitions of prehistoric material in England and Scotland. The part considers the future status and role of text in museums. It also examines the variable representation of Saami prehistory in several Nordic museums. The part explains the thinking behind the new Museum of Altamira. Since its discovery in 1879, the Palaeolithic painted cave of Altamira has attracted large numbers of visitors. In 2001, the new Museum of Altamira was inaugurated, offering to visitors a replica that allows the cave to be experienced with high fidelity while not compromising the preservation of the original cave. The part introduces the variety of issues facing archaeological site museums in Latin America.
